Keep one question in mind while watching 'Gravity' (PlayBill blog by William Kerns)

A lot of hoopla accompanies "Gravity" into theaters nationwide today, but ask yourself one question, especially if you wind up being blown away by the movie.

And yes, especially if you participate in those annual Oscar prediction contests in the spring.

Some are predicting that "Gravity" could earn as many as 11 to 13 Academy Award nominations, including one for Best Picture.

But -- that question -- does it have whatever it takes to be named the year's best film?

One reason I ask is because no film set in the vast expanse of outer space has ever walked away with the golden statue given out for Best Picture.

Consider some that have at least been nominated for the big enchilada.

* Stanley Kubrick's 1968 release "2001: A Space Odyssey" was nominated for Best Picture, but that Oscar went to the musical "Oliver!"

* George Lucas also earned a Best Picture nomination for his 1977 film "Star Wars" (episode IV, A New Hope"). The Oscar that year went to Woody Allen's comedy "Annie Hall."

* The 1994 release "Apollo 13," directed by Ron Howard, seemed to have a very good chance when nominated for Best Picture. However, the honored film that night was Mel Gibson's "Braveheart."

* Finally, James Cameron's brilliant 209 feature "Avatar" was among the films nominated for Best Picture. He remained seated while his former girlfriend, Kathryn Bigelow, walked up on stage to collect the Best Picture Oscar for "The Hurt Locker."

And no, neither Ridley Scott's "Alien" nor Cameron's sequel "Aliens" was nominated for Best Picture, although Sigourney Weaver was deservedly nominated for her second appearance as Ripley.

Sandra Bullock is expected to be nominated for her performance in "Gravity." The odds are not as high for co-star George Clooney.